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1-
What is tooth bleaching or whitening? |
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It's a process that lightens discolorations
of enamel and dentin. This accounts a "whiter", younger and more esthetical
smile. |
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2-
What causes tooth discoloration? |
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There are a number of reasons. The most common
one is aging. Staining could also be due to a diet rich in caffeine,
tea, foods with colouring, tobacco, certain antibiotics (tetracycline),
excess fluoride, large and old fillings or nerve degeneration. |
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3-
How does it work? |
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An initial exam will help determine if a bleaching
is possible taking into consideration certain elements (teeth, gums,
mucosa...) Transparent custom fitted trays are then fabricated. The
treatment consists of loading the trays with a mild concentration
of a carbamide peroxide gel and wearing it for a certain amount of
time during the day, in the evening or at night. |
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4-
From a chemistry point of view... |
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Carbamide peroxide can easily penetrate enamel
and dentin. It then "attacks" the pigmented molecules within the teeth,
breaks them apart thru an oxidation process into smaller fragments
thus whitening the tooth. |
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5-
Is bleaching safe? |
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Absolutely. The concentrations recommended by
Dr. Margossian are very safe and usually very well tolerated. Some
patients have noted a transient sensitivity to cold, which always
disappears shortly after the end of treatments. A bleaching done by
Dr. Margossian after a thorough evaluation of each case uses well
adjusted trays thus minimizing the risks associated with over the
counter commercial bleaching products, namely an overflow of the material
which could be harmful to the gums as well as be ingested. |
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6-
What is the average length of a bleaching? |
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Results are usually quick and noticeable within
the first few days. However, optimal results are attained in about
2 weeks. |
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7-
Will bleaching be as efficient in all cases? |
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No. Results may vary depending on the initial
tooth shade. Teeth that are yellow in shade will bleach much better
than those that are grey or "bluish" in shade. These may require longer
periods of bleaching. Tetracycline or fluorosis stained teeth will
not respond well to the procedure. |
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8-
How long will the results last? |
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Bleached teeth will always be lighter in shade.
However, in certain cases (for example when the diet is very rich
in coffee, tea, staining foods...), it may be necessary to easily
touch up the teeth to recreate optimal results. |
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9-
Top ten reasons to do a bleaching:
(reproduced from: www.smilechangers.com)
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- To impress someone
- To give the person you're talking to a nice place to focus on
- Your teeth won't look yellow when you're wearing white
- You'll want to smile more often
- The more you smile, the less your wrinkles will show
- You never know when someone will call and want you to model
in an ad
- Because your significant other did it
- To make you feel and look younger
- Your tooth colour matches the bottom of your coffee mug
- Because you're worth it
- Do you really need a reason?
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